Tag: police

Claims in the Kent online state Police are investigating an alleged assault at a football tournament attended by more than 800 children. The tournament was Deal Town Rangers Youth FCs tournament at the Goodwin Academy, Mill Road, Kent

The Kent online state it is believed a manager from a participating team is believed to have pushed a teenage referee to the ground in front of players as young as six.

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It has been confirmed that Police attended the scene between 1pm and 1.14pm on Saturday and are now appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward with information as to what happened. “It is being looked at by the police and after that it will be looked at by the Kent Football Association.

Deal Town Rangers Youth FC chairman Alan Clarke said to the Kent online: “An incident occurred at our two-day tournament between a manager and a referee. This was the biggest event ever with 110 teams from 30 clubs taking part, over 850 players in 305 games and in 10 age groups, It’s just a shame one incident marred the excellent event.”

A spokesman for Kent FA said the organisation was investigating the incident.

A spokesman for Grassroots Football – Paul Kirton which supports grassroots clubs throughout the UK – said reports of extreme violence are rare in comparison to the number of games played without incident. Although incidents of verbal abuse are currently at unacceptable levels and much more work needs to be addressed in this area, the reported levels of violence remains extremely low.

But while the organisation says incidents of this nature do happen and “can not be condoned” extreme incidents are very rare and there are a lot more positives in youngsters being part of the grassroots family.

For the full story http://www.kentonline.co.uk/deal/news/police-called-to-youth-football-127663/

Northumbria Police has released its most recent figures in relation to non-recent recent sexual abuse in the sporting community.

The force’s Operation Tide was set up to support and investigate increased reporting of abuse following reports across the country and in the media.

Since launching the operation in December last year, 25 victims have come forward in relation to eight suspects across nine different sporting clubs including Newcastle United and Sunderland’s Foundation of Light. This also includes some smaller local sporting clubs.

The force’s Operation Tide was set up to support and investigate increased reporting of abuse following reports across the country and in the media.

Since launching the operation in December last year, 25 victims have come forward in relation to eight suspects across nine different sporting clubs including Newcastle United and Sunderland’s Foundation of Light. This also includes some smaller local sporting clubs.

When we initially launched the investigation it was focussed on allegations made in connection with Newcastle United Football Club but with more victims now bravely coming forward, we have broadened the investigation.

“Our specially trained officers have been in contact with a number of people who have taken the hugely brave step of speaking to us.

“My plea to those affected is please don’t suffer in silence, we would like you to come forward, our officers are trained and able to investigate and we work closely with other support organisations to ensure we provide the best possible service to you.

“We also urge anyone who may have any information regarding child sexual abuse to come forward.”

– ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE DARREN BEST

Following the statement from Northumbria Police, the Foundation of Light issued the following statement:

We are currently helping Northumbria Police with their enquiries about a case of non-recent sexual abuse relating to a former employee.

“Foundation of Light is an organisation that is dedicated to improving people’s lives and over the years we have supported many who have suffered abuse, as well as forging positive working relationships with Northumbria Police.

“We are extremely saddened to hear of the allegations and will do everything in our power to support this investigation.

“Our concern is primarily with those who have suffered abuse and we would encourage any others who have suffered abuse in the past to contact the NSPCC on 0800 023 2642.

“To prevent abuse all Foundation of Light staff undergo rigorous safeguarding training; Foundation of Light employs a safeguarding officer as is suitable for an organisation of its size and type and DBS checks are undertaken on all appropriate staff.

“We also adhere to strict safeguarding procedures to protect the thousands we work with every day and take allegations of abuse very seriously.

“As this is an ongoing police investigation it would not be appropriate for us to comment in more detail at this stage.”

Do you know this man?

Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with criminal damage at football pitches in Blurton.

Between Christmas Eve (Sat 24 Dec) and Thursday 29 December the man was seen riding a motorcycle on the football pitches behind Blurton Community Centre on Oakwood Road.

As a result approximately £4,000 of damage has been caused to two football pitches, which are used for junior football in the Blurton area.

Officers are now trying to identify the man in the photograph. If you know him please contact PC Sean Woodward at Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 128 of December 30.

You can also report crime by contacting the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Chaos and violence erupted at a grassroots game as a male spectator is alleged to have assaulted a 13 year old player on Sunday, it is believed the incident occurred off Necton Street, in Syston.

Police are looking into exactly what happened, but have confirmed they are investigating an assault on a teenager.

A police spokeswoman said: “We are investigating a report of assault in a park off Necton Street, Syston, at around 12 noon in which a teenage victim sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital by the ambulance service.

“Our inquiries are in their early stages and no arrests have been made.

“Anyone who was there and has information about the incident is asked to call us on 101 quoting incident number 258 of November 6.”

Leicestershire & Rutland County Football Association, stated the following: “We are aware of the incident and are investigating, subject to the police investigation, which takes precedence in these matters.”

A spokesman for Grassroots Football – which supports grassroots clubs throughout the UK – says today’s reports of extreme violence are rare in comparison to the number of games played without incident. Although incidents of verbal abuse are currently at unacceptable levels and much more work needs to be addressed in this area, the reported levels of violence remains extremely low.

Police are appealing for information after an incident at a football match in Thornaby on Sunday 16th October.

A cup game between Thornaby Village and Wrekenton Blue Star (Gateshead) was taking place from 2pm at Teesdale Park on Acklam Road. At around 3pm an altercation took place between several spectators and a local man left the park, returning with several other men all wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons.

One man was wearing a black jacket and blue bottoms but there are no descriptions for the other men.

No one was injured however the game was abandoned at half time due to this. According to reports, a local man had left the park in Thornaby following a row involving spectators and returned with several others, all wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons. The game was abandoned at half-time and police have appealed for information.

Cleveland Police would like anyone with information about this incident, particularly if they know the identity of the men in balaclavas, to contact us on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website